need advice from you all I've been charged with a felony but not convicted

cjcalimer · Nov 28, 2014

You need to contact your BON and consult with your lawyer about the legal implications of testing without disclosing this information.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 28, 2014

Well, since you're now facing a Felony charge, you're going to have to deal with the charge via the legal system. If you're found "not guilty" you will need to make sure that the charges are properly dispo'd as "not guilty" and you'll always have to deal with that from now on. If you're found guilty then I doubt you'll have a career in any field that has a "no felony" requirement.

Be glad you have a lawyer and hopefully your lawyer is good. Also make sure that if you're offered any plea agreements that you know the implications of what it can mean and if it'll adversely affect your ability to get a nursing license.

I wish you well.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 28, 2014

Moving to the Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History forum. Be advised that this forum is moderated, meaning that all posts are reviewed before being published...so it may take a bit for responses to appear.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 28, 2014

Why did you have to get cleared through the BON in the first place? AFAIK, you don't have to go through the BON if you are taking a leave of absence from nursing school for medical reasons...though there are 51 BONs out there, so who knows--perhaps it's something your state required and mine doesn't...

Going back to your main question: you and your attorney need to talk to your BON to see whether you have to disclose this arrest and if so, will it affect your ability to test. Keep in mind that if you had to disclose this arrest to the BON and you failed to disclose it--either intentionally or out of ignorance--you risk facing disciplinary action including the loss of your license. Also keep in mind that in a lot of states, arrests and/or convictions are automatically reported to BONs. Your attorney is the best person to guide you through this.

Last, remember that you may also have to disclose this arrest to your nursing program if you are still in one...because even if the BON says Yes to the test, your school has the right to say No to you finishing the program. For that, you will have to contact your school to find out.

Best of luck.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2014

I think it's pretty standard that candidates get fingerprinted before NCLEX so if you don't disclose you run the risk of being found out. And every nursing job I've ever had required a background check. A charge for assault with a deadly weapon would likely eliminate you from the list of potential new hires. Get your legal situation straightened out first.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2014

The BON ran a background check on you before you were allowed back into school? What state is this? I would think most have their hands full dealing with actual nurses and wouldn't even want to deal with students, but what do I know?

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2014

I think it's pretty standard that candidates get fingerprinted before NCLEX so if you don't disclose you run the risk of being found out. And every nursing job I've ever had required a background check. A charge for assault with a deadly weapon would likely eliminate you from the list of potential new hires. Get your legal situation straightened out first.

Not in my state. I've never been fingerprinted for anything, ever.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2014

Ok well first I'd like to thank you for reading this. Any feedback from someone who has experienced this is helpful. Or from anyone in this profession. I started a nursing program and had to get out temporarily to have my baby but when I tried to return they prompted me to get cleared through BON first.. Bummer but I did what they asked. It took 7 months!! Anyway, after getting cleared to take NCLEX of course after finishing my program I got arrested for aggregated assault with a deadly weapon... My bf and I were fighting and he kicked me and Mt baby out of room to go to couch I then popped the inflatable mattress. He was humiliated and the story goes on but he lied to the police which got me this charge. I am now facing felony charges but do have an attorney. He's 22 i'm 26 & he apologized for this but i'm more concerned about my future in this career. Can I continue with nursing program and take nclex since I was approved before this incident?? I know some of you poetically will think I am not fit for this because of the charge which is why I am asking you all for the advice. I'm hoping there won't be judgment passed since you all don't know me personally but can I even Get licensed? I'm already cleared with BON.

How were you approved by the BON to take the NCLEX if you haven't yet completed your education? I'm sorry, but a LOT of things about your story don't add up... :nono: